# hamper

/ˈhæmpɝ/ (US) · /hˈæmpɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hamper
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to make it difficult for someone to do something or for something to happen. You use this when progress is slowed down by an obstacle.

For teachers: to hinder or impede the movement or progress of someone or something. Often implies a physical or logistical obstruction that makes a task more difficult without stopping it entirely.

## Examples

- Heavy rain will hamper the rescue efforts today.
- The narrow hallways in the old building hamper the staff's ability to move large equipment between rooms quickly.
- While the CEO remained optimistic, analysts warned that rising interest rates and supply chain disruptions would likely hamper the company's expansion into international markets over the next fiscal year.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The weather hampered from finishing the work" but "The weather hampered us from finishing the work" — Hamper is transitive; it must be followed by an object (the person or thing being hindered) before any prepositional phrase.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.